Introduction: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine whether staplers are a better technique for securing the appendiceal stump as compared to loops. Methods: Randomised controlled trials were searched for in various medical literature databases. Data on complication rates and other short-term results were pooled in random-effects meta-analyses with quantification of heterogeneity. Results: Four trials with 517 patients were included. Using staples instead of loops significantly reduced the incidence of superficial wound infection (OR 0.21; 95%-CI 0.06 to 0.71) and postoperative ileus (0.36; 0.14 to 0.89). Of ten intraoperative ruptures of appendix, seven occured in loop treated patients (p=0.46). The duration of surgery was 9 minutes longer if loops were used (p=0.04). The length of hospital stay was not affected by surgical technique. Conclusions: Stapling increases the safety of laparoscopic appendectomy, but it is unclear whether stapling is required for all stages and types of appendicitis.